I am currently a CNA and am going back to school for my RN. I made the carrier switch after going to a private university for a year as a double english/history major. But i'm so glad I left, I love nursing!
I would contact your skill tester if possible and ask them to specifically tell them what you did wrong. They should be able to tell you, and if you still feel that they failed you for something you...
i'm not sure where you are located or interested in working, but $8.00 an hour seems really low to me. I'm just starting out as a CNA (I got my certification in April) but all the places I know of...